Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 1 — Meta-analysis / systematic reviewPeer-reviewedRegenerative

Manure management and soil biodiversity: Towards more sustainable food systems in the EU

Julia Köninger; Emanuele Lugato; Panos Panagos; Mrinalini Kochupillai; Alberto Orgiazzi; María J.I. Briones

Agricultural Systems · 2021

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Summary

This paper synthesises evidence on how manure management practices influence soil biodiversity in European agricultural systems, with implications for sustainability and food security. The authors, affiliated with the European Commission's Joint Research Centre and leading soil scientists, likely evaluate current practices against biodiversity outcomes and identify management approaches that optimise both productivity and soil health. The work appears positioned to inform EU policy on sustainable nutrient management and soil protection.

Regional applicability

The findings are directly applicable to UK farming, as manure management is a cornerstone of both intensive and mixed farming systems across the country and is subject to similar EU-derived (now retained) regulations on nutrient management and soil protection. The research may inform UK agricultural policy, particularly regarding the Sustainable Farming Incentive and nutrient management planning.

Key measures

Soil biodiversity indicators, microbial biomass, faunal diversity, manure application methods and rates, soil chemical properties

Outcomes reported

The study examined relationships between manure management strategies and soil biodiversity metrics across European farming systems. It likely assessed how different manure application practices influence soil microbial and faunal communities.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil biology & microbiology
Study type
Systematic Review
Study design
Systematic review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Europe
System type
Mixed farming
DOI
10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103251
Catalogue ID
NRmo9rin9c-01q

Topic tags

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